Foster Grandparents get ready for the new school year

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com 

Foster Grandparent volunteers gathered Wednesday for a day of inservice training and conviviality to kick off the new school year.

About 50 Foster Grandparents attended the day-long session at the NIACC center in Charles City. This was the first group under the direction of new program director Sarah Merrifield.

Merrifield takes over from longtime director Mary Litterer, who retired last month.

Colleen Ortmeyer, office assistant for the Foster Grandparent program based in Charles City, said the program can always use additional volunteers, and now is a good time to get started with the group.

She urged anyone interested in being a part of the program or who wants more information to call the Foster Grandparent Program office at 641-257-6327.

The Charles City-based Foster Grandparent program is the oldest and largest Foster Grandparent program in the state. It serves 22 mostly grade school and day care sites in Charles City, Clear Lake, Marble Rock, Mason City, Nashua, New Hampton, Nora Springs, Osage, Rockford, Rudd and St. Ansgar.

To be eligible for the Foster Grandparent Program you must be at least 55, be willing to volunteer at least 15 hours a week, pass a background check and like being with and helping children.

Volunteers work in schools with students in reading, spelling, math and, for some, providing a stable adult in their lives.

The mission of the Foster Grandparent Program is to bring together older persons and young children “in specific ways that help each to grow in giving, caring and learning,” according to the program.